Newcastle dancer returns home

By Jeannette McMahon

You're more likely to find 1233's Craig Hamilton interviewing a footy player than a ballet dancer, that was until recently when he caught up with a Newcastle dancer now based in Canada who was home for a visit.

Newcastle has quite a reputation for the quality of dancers it produces, particularly ballet dancers.

Many have gone on to dance with companies around the world, and one of those is Geon Van der Wyst, who was born in Newcastle and went to school here while pursuing his dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer.

After completing his HSC, Geon joined the Australian Ballet School and was then invited to join the Australian Ballet Company.

In 2001, he was invited to join the National Ballet of Canada as a principal dancer.

Geon performed around the world with the company until 2004, when he had to retire from professional dancing due to a knee injury.

He now lives and works in Toronto, Canada, and recently returned to Newcastle to visit family and friends.